Taoiseach Supports Aontú Campaign to Have Cash Ticket Purchases Returned to GAA Matches

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today in the Dáil in response to an Aontú question stated thet he supports the ability of GAA fans to purchase match tickets with cash. Commenting Aontú leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín stated:

“The GAA have introduce of policy of getting rid of cash at GAA matches. This is the wrong decision. It means that many people, especially older people who cannot buy GAA tickets on line or use technology are in effect banned from matches.

I know of older people who have gone to matches recently seeking to buy tickets at the gates to gain energy but were refused. Its desperately sad to see”.

“The GAA is a wonderful organisation. It is the most successful community organisation in the country. That’s why its so disappointing to see this policy introduced. This policy is an exclusionist policy. Its hitting those who were isolated the most during the covid crisis the hardest. Age Action NI has recently come out publicly against this on the basis that it hurst older people the most. AIB was forced to reverse its policy when they sought to get rid of cash in their branches in regional towns and I strongly believe the GAA should do likewise”.

Cavan Aontú Councillor Sarah O’Reilly stared the campaign to return the ability to fans to purchase GAA tickets with cash months ago and it is now gathering steam. Aontú is campaigning north and south for the reintroduction of cash at at least one turnstile at each match. We welcome the Taoiseach responding positively to our question today. And we call on the GAA listen to listen the concerns being raised and ensure that people no matter their age or technological ability are able to gain entry into matches”. CRIOCH

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.